PAUL STEPHENSON is reaping the reward of taking Hartlepool United back to basics.

After taking control seven games ago, Pool have conceded just five goals. That run includes clean sheets in his first three games.

On Saturday, play-off hopefuls Barnsley beat Dimi Konstantopoulos once, but Stephenson is delighted with the impact his settled back line has had.

He has made just one defensive change in his games in charge - Micky Nelson was suspended at Rotherham, when Mark Tinkler played - and the back four have developed a strong understanding.

"There were some monumental performances at the back again on Saturday," said Stephenson.

"I've got to mention Nelse and Ben Clark and I thought Ritchie Humphreys really silenced Chris Shuker, who is a dangerman.

"Dimi made some great saves, as did their lad. At the end we could have nicked it, and just before that chance, Micky Nelson made a fantastic tackle in the area.

"Last-ditch tackles like that are just as important in the run-in as someone sliding in to stick one in the back of the net at the death."

Pool's reserves meet Sheffield United tomorrow at Billingham Town (2pm).

Read more about Hartlepool here.